Rustic dining

I love the look of a well used rustic bench. They make great entryway seating for boot removal, or casual dining seating in a kitchen. Paired with a great, preferably old, trestle or refectory table, and you complete a rustic casual look.

 Elle Decor - Designer: Steven Gambrel and Chris Connor

This classic kitchen designed by Steven Gambrel and Chis Connor uses a rustic trestle table with modern chairs for a contemporary updated look. It's comfortable, and welcoming - no need for coasters on a table like this.  

  Elle Decor - Designer: Mark Cunningham

Here is a great example of simple benches paired with a country table for casual kitchen dining.

I love these French oak trestle base benches. They  have the patina of a well used piece of furniture. These are Lot 813 in the Christie's Interiors sale in New York August 31st and September 1st. They are mid-20th century, 82 inches wide, and have an auction estimate $800 - $1,200.

The Christie's sale also includes this fabulous walnut refectory table which is 121 inches wide. The benches would work very well with this and be great in a casual dining room or the kitchen.  This is Lot 826 and has an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000.

The Christie's sale has another refectory table. This one is Spanish mahogany with a 19th century top and a modern  base. The age of the top most likely gives it a wonderful character. This is 105 inches long (Lot 1027), and has an auction estimate of $3,000 - $5,000.

This bench is a wonderful example of  an early American utilitarian bench with a lot of style. This is 1st quarter 19th century and has great rolled arms and arrow shaped spindles on the back giving it lots of interest. This easily works in an entryway, or at a fabulous rustic table. This sold at a New Orleans Auction for $338 off an auction estimate of $250 - $400. It measures 32 inches long.

 The next Bonhams Sunset Estate auction in Los Angeles August 14th includes this Italian Baroque style refectory table. It's 93 inches long and said to be made of various woods. It's Lot 7588, and they don't give an age. It's nice looking anyway, and has an auction estimate of $3,000 - $4,000.

I just adore this green painted pine bench. The legs have wonderful almost ball feet. I would like this in an entryway so that it could be appreciated for it's subtle charms. This sold at a Brunk Auction in Asheville, NC for $200!





Rustic tables and benches are wonderfully usable and versatile. The benches work as seating at a table, or as a place to take off your shoes in an entryway. The tables are great for dining, or you might use one as a desk in your home office. The best part is that they are not precious, and you don't have to worry about kids, guests or animals spilling or scratching the surface!